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The San Antonio-based demolition crew began cleanup of several demolished structures at the northeast corner of the intersection of U.S. 281 and RR 1431 in Marble Falls. -
In Marble Falls, crews began demolishing a building March 27 which formerly housed Ken's Catfish and Art of the Meal as well as an adjacent building with former tenants that included a clothing boutique and a rainwater storage tank business. Photos by Connie Swinney/The Highlander -
Motorists on U.S. 281 just off the RR 1431 intersection on March 27 could see demolition underway of several buildings in the 1000 block of Main Street. Sherrell Booe/ The Highlander -
Trucker Lacy Pearson (left) and Flash Demolition crew member Gabriel Osoria were on hand, during the demolition March 27 of buildings on property owned by the Marble Falls EDC. Photos by Connie Swinney/The Highlander -
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Workers got underway March 27 on demolition of unoccupied structures at the intersection of U.S. 281 and RR 1431 in Marble Falls. Photos by Connie Swinney/The Highlander
gan in earnest March 27 removing former business buildings in the northeast corner of the U.S. 281 and RR 1431 intersection.
The lots 1001, 1003 and 1008 Main Street formerly housed a bait shop, a restaurant and a clothing boutique in sepa - rate buildings.
The Marble Falls Eco - nomic Development Cor - poration brokered a $2 million deal with a private entity to buy the property.
The purchase this past winter prevented the site from becoming a planned car wash. Along with the demoli - tion of structures, the proj - ect will include cleanup of the creek area and "solici - tation of potential develop - ers for the north end of the property," officials say.
Marble Falls EDC Business Development Coordinator Midge Dock - ery provided more details about the potential future of the property.
Q: What is the timeline for completion of the demolition? What is the cost and how will it be paid for?
A: “The demo contractor, Flash Demolition, estimates a two-week timeframe to complete the demolition. Flash was the low bidder at $56,700. The EDC is covering demolition and project expenses with 50% reimbursement from the city per the Reimbursement and Funding Agreement between the city of Marble Falls and the EDC.”
Q: How does clearing the land assist in development plans for the project?
A: “ Removing the structures, clearing the land will help to envision potential future use and development for the combined sites.”
Q: What do preliminary talks entail about the potential use of the property?
A: “The city and EDC do not yet have any plans for the property. The immediate priority is to clear and clean up the property, including the creek way alongside of it. The site has much potential and the necessary time will be taken to determine its highest and best use.”
Q: How does the upcoming TxDOT work to straighten that intersection factor into the space for development?
A: “The impending TxDOT improvements will be to the southeast corner of the intersection (gas station). This (EDC property) corner will also be affected at some point in the future most likely by a 50 ft. wide set-back that will be required by TxDOT.”
Q: Why is that intersection integral in the identity of the Marble Falls community?
A: “Anyone and everyone traveling through Marble Falls must pass through this intersection.”
Q: What happens to the area where the former bait shop operated in the intersection?
A: “All three lots are currently owned by the EDC. At some point in the future, because of the planned TxDOT improvements to the intersection, the city of Marble Falls will purchase the 1001 Main lot from the EDC.”
Crews on the site of the demolition told The Highlander that they expect to remove the remaining building, the former bait shop building, sometime next week (week of April 1).